PANDEF High-Powered Peace Committee Steps into Rivers Crises as They Move to Resolve Political Impasse

By Wilson Macaulay

Port Harcourt

 In a decisive move to stem the escalating political tension in Rivers State and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic integrity, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Monday formally flagged off its much-anticipated Peace Mission, with former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, leading the high-powered reconciliation initiative.

The launch of the peace mission, which took place in Port Harcourt, is widely seen as a watershed moment in efforts to resolve the protracted political crisis that has disrupted governance, polarized political actors and threatened socio-economic stability in one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.

Addressing political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups and representatives of youth and women organisations at the ceremony, Chief Agabi stressed that genuine reconciliation, anchored on truth, forgiveness and mutual respect, remains the only viable pathway to enduring peace.

“This mission is about the survival of democracy and the stability of our nation. When Rivers State is unstable, Nigeria is affected. We must therefore pursue reconciliation with sincerity, courage and a deep sense of responsibility to the people,” Agabi declared.

He appealed directly to the major actors in the crisis — particularly Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor and FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike — to rise above personal and political differences, embrace dialogue and demonstrate statesmanship in the interest of Rivers people and the Niger Delta region.

According to Agabi, PANDEF’s intervention is non-partisan and motivated by an overriding concern for peace, development and democratic consolidation, warning that prolonged political conflict could erode public confidence, weaken institutions and derail critical development efforts.

PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Emmanuel Ogidi, described the Rivers situation as “a grave concern to the entire Niger Delta,” explaining that the decision to intervene followed extensive consultations with elders, stakeholders and regional leaders.

“Rivers State is a pillar of Nigeria’s economic and political stability. This peace mission is our collective response to a challenge that threatens the future of our people and the unity of the nation,” Ogidi said.

Also speaking, several traditional rulers and community leaders commended PANDEF for stepping in at a crucial moment, noting that the crisis had begun to take a toll on businesses, social harmony and governance structures across the state.

The PANDEF delegation is expected to hold a series of closed-door consultations with all key stakeholders, including elected officials, party leaders, legislators, community leaders and youth groups, after which it will submit comprehensive recommendations aimed at achieving a durable political settlement.

Political observers at the event described the initiative as the most coordinated and credible peace effort so far, noting that Chief Agabi’s integrity, experience and moral authority have placed the mission on strong footing.

As Rivers State stands at a defining crossroads, PANDEF’s peace mission offers renewed hope for healing divisions, restoring political stability and reinforcing national unity. Many believe that if embraced by all sides, the initiative could usher in a new era of inclusive governance, mutual respect and sustainable development — not only for Rivers State, but for the entire Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.